The Mercer Bay Loop is a scenic 2.5km coastal walking track near Piha on Auckland’s West Coast. Taking approximately 1.5 hours, this moderately challenging trail features dramatic clifftop views, native bush, and leads to beautiful Mercer Bay. The track includes some steep sections and uneven terrain requiring reasonable fitness levels.
Find more walks in this area… Explore our comprehensive guide to West Auckland walks for additional tramping options.
The Mercer Bay Loop track starts at the end of Glenesk Road in Piha. From central Auckland it’s about a 45-minute drive through the Waitākere Ranges. The final stretch down to Piha involves some winding roads so take it easy if you’re not familiar with the area.
Here’s the tricky bit: parking is extremely limited. We’re talking maybe 8-10 spaces maximum at the Glenesk Road carpark. On sunny weekends and public holidays you’ll likely need to arrive before 9am to snag a spot. If the carpark is full don’t park on the narrow road as you’ll block access for emergency vehicles and irritate the locals. Instead park down at Piha Beach and add an extra 20-minute walk each way up Glenesk Road. It’s a bit of a slog uphill but hey at least you’ll be properly warmed up.
👉 👉 Freedom Camp Between Walks – Hire a Campervan – We’ve got the best deals
The Mercer Bay Loop is one of those walks that punches well above its weight in terms of scenery per kilometre. You’ll start by descending through regenerating native bush with pōhutukawa and coastal flax lining the track. The path is generally well-maintained but expect tree roots, rocks and the occasional muddy patch especially after rain.
About 15 minutes in you’ll reach the first stunning viewpoint looking north along the coast. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Waitākere coastline stretching into the distance. The black sand beaches and rugged cliffs are quintessentially West Coast Auckland and honestly they never get old no matter how many times you visit.
The track then drops fairly steeply down to Mercer Bay itself. This is where your knees need to earn their keep. The descent involves wooden steps and some sections where you’ll want to watch your footing particularly if it’s been wet. Take your time here because a twisted ankle is nobody’s idea of a good time and you’ve still got to get back up.
Mercer Bay is an absolute gem. It’s a small secluded cove with dramatic rock formations and clear water when the conditions are right. The bay faces west so you’ll get the full force of the Tasman Sea which means powerful surf and strong currents. This is not a swimming beach unless you’ve got a death wish. Seriously the rips here are treacherous and people have drowned thinking they could handle it. Admire the water from the shore.
From Mercer Bay the track climbs back up and follows the clifftops. This section is the absolute highlight with jaw-dropping views of the coastline cliffs and ocean. You’ll walk right along the edge in some spots with sheer drops to the rocks below. It’s exhilarating but if you’re not great with heights you might find yourself giving the cliff edge a wide berth.
The exposure here means strong winds are common. I’ve been blown sideways more than once on this section and had to lean into the wind to make progress. It adds to the adventure but keep a firm grip on hats sunglasses and small children.
The Mercer Bay Loop delivers maximum impact for minimal time investment. Where else can you experience such dramatic coastal scenery in under two hours? The combination of native bush rocky coastline and expansive ocean views creates a walk that feels much more remote and wild than it actually is.
Here’s something most visitors don’t realize: the rock formations around Mercer Bay are ancient pillow lavas formed by underwater volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. These rounded lumpy rocks got their shape when hot lava hit cold seawater and cooled rapidly. It’s like walking through a geology textbook except much more interesting.
👉 👉 Freedom Camp Between Walks – Hire a Campervan – We’ve got the best deals
Here’s what the regular West Coast trampers know: timing matters more than most people think. Low tide opens up rock pools at Mercer Bay worth exploring and high tide brings bigger waves crashing against the cliffs creating spectacular spray. Check the tide times before you go if you want to optimize your experience.
The wind direction makes a huge difference too. A strong easterly means the West Coast is sheltered and calm with clearer skies. Westerlies bring onshore winds rain and rougher conditions. Northerlies and southerlies each have their own character. You can still walk in any conditions but knowing what to expect helps you prepare properly.
Wear proper footwear. Tramping boots or sturdy trail shoes with good grip are essential. I’ve seen people attempt this walk in jandals and it never ends well. The track isn’t technical but it’s steep and slippery enough that ankle support and decent traction make everything more enjoyable and safer.
Bring your camera or phone because the photo opportunities are exceptional. Late afternoon light is magic on the West Coast with the sun setting over the Tasman creating golden hour conditions that last for ages. The clifftop sections looking north offer sweeping coastal panoramas while Mercer Bay itself provides intimate cove shots with dramatic rock formations.
Pro tip: the rocks around Mercer Bay create natural frames for ocean shots. Get low and shoot through the gaps in the rocks to add foreground interest and depth to your images.
Let’s talk about the less glamorous but critically important safety aspects. The West Coast has legitimate hazards that catch out unprepared visitors every year.
The cliff edges are not fenced and the rock can be crumbly in places. Stay back from the edge and don’t try to get that perfect selfie with your back to a sheer drop. It’s simply not worth it and the local rescue services are sick of retrieving people who’ve taken unnecessary risks.
Weather changes rapidly on the coast. What starts as a beautiful morning can turn into horizontal rain and gale-force winds within an hour. Always carry a waterproof jacket even if the forecast looks perfect. Getting wet and cold in exposed conditions is how hypothermia happens.
Mobile phone coverage is patchy at best and non-existent in the bay itself. Don’t rely on being able to call for help if something goes wrong. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
If you’re visiting Whites Beach walk at Piha consider combining it with Mercer Bay for a fuller day of coastal exploring.
👉 👉 Freedom Camp Between Walks – Hire a Campervan – We’ve got the best deals
| Essential Items | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Water (at least 1 litre) | No water sources on track, coastal exposure is dehydrating |
| Snacks | Energy for the climbs, nice to have at the bay |
| Waterproof jacket | Weather changes rapidly, wind and rain common |
| Sun protection | Limited shade, coastal sun reflects off water |
| Sturdy footwear | Steep sections, roots, rocks and potentially slippery surfaces |
| First aid basics | Plasters for blisters, pain relief for strains |
| Phone | Emergency contact and photos (but don’t rely on coverage) |
If you’ve got the energy and time Piha offers several other excellent walks. The Gibbons Track walk provides another coastal perspective with different views. You could also explore the Upper Huia Reservoir walk for a completely different native bush experience in the Waitākeres.
Further afield the Cornwallis Beach walk and Awhitu Regional Park walk offer coastal tramping with easier terrain and different scenery.
Here are some things most guides won’t tell you. First the toilet situation: there aren’t any at the trailhead. Use the facilities down at Piha Beach before driving up to Glenesk Road. Trust me on this.
Unfortunately this track isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or prams due to the steep steps narrow sections and uneven terrain. It’s also not ideal for anyone with significant mobility limitations. The clifftop sections with exposure wouldn’t work well for anyone uncomfortable with heights.
That said if you can manage moderate hills and don’t mind taking your time this walk is achievable for most reasonably fit people. I’ve seen everyone from teenagers to people in their seventies completing it successfully. It’s about knowing your limits and walking at your own pace.
The Mercer Bay Loop delivers exceptional coastal scenery in a compact package. It’s challenging enough to feel like an achievement without being an epic all-day mission. The combination of native bush dramatic cliffs and that gorgeous hidden bay creates a walk that showcases everything great about Auckland’s West Coast.
Yes the parking is annoying and yes you need to be reasonably fit and yes the weather can be challenging. But these minor inconveniences are far outweighed by the experience of standing on those clifftops with the wind in your face and the Tasman Sea stretching to the horizon.
This is the kind of walk that reminds you why you live in or visit Auckland. It’s raw spectacular and utterly different from the city just an hour away. Do it on a clear day and you’ll understand why Kiwis bang on about their coastal tracks. Do it on a wild day and you’ll feel properly alive in a way that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
No this is extremely dangerous. Mercer Bay has powerful rips strong currents and large surf. Multiple drownings have occurred here. It’s strictly for looking not swimming. If you want to swim stick to the patrolled areas at Piha Beach.
Older children with good balance and reasonable fitness can manage this walk with supervision. The steep sections and cliff exposure mean it’s not suitable for young children or anyone who needs constant hand-holding. Use your judgment based on your kids’ abilities and experience.
Summer weekends and public holidays can be surprisingly busy given the limited parking. Weekdays and off-season are much quieter. Early morning any day tends to be peaceful before the crowds arrive.
If conditions deteriorate significantly with strong winds or heavy rain the safest option is to turn back. The exposed clifftop sections become genuinely unpleasant and potentially dangerous in severe weather. There’s no shame in abandoning a walk if conditions aren’t safe.
No there are no toilets water or shelters at the Glenesk Road trailhead. The nearest facilities are down at Piha Beach. Come prepared with everything you need.
Yes dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times. Be aware the steep sections and cliff exposure mean you need to keep close control. Clean up after your dog and pack out waste.
Most people complete the loop in 1 to 1.5 hours but this depends heavily on fitness level how many photo stops you make and how long you spend at the bay. Allow two hours if you want to explore properly without rushing.
Most people walk anticlockwise heading down to the bay first then climbing up and around the clifftops. This way you tackle the steepest descent while fresh and finish with the spectacular clifftop views. Either direction works though.
Patchy at best with little to no coverage at the bay itself. Don’t rely on being able to make calls or access maps on your phone. Download any information you need before you go.
Fishing from the rocks is possible when conditions allow but be extremely careful. The rocks are slippery and waves can be unpredictable. Many locals fish here but they know the conditions intimately. If you’re unfamiliar with rock fishing on the West Coast this probably isn’t the place to start.
